After holding strong for two weeks, fears over the Omicron variant look set to change the government’s course on Covid restrictions. Reports this morning suggest that Plan B could be implemented as early as tomorrow, including advice to work from home and — more controversially — the introduction of vaccine passports.
The timing is interesting: rumours about the possible decision landed hours after a video clip — showing the Prime Minister’s former press secretary joking about last year’s alleged Downing Street Christmas party with No. 10 aides — was leaked. Downing Street still adamantly denies the party took place. Many are wondering if this is a ‘dead cat’ strategy: one that could have serious implications for the UK’s economy and the liberty of its citizens, to draw away attention from a growing crisis.
The introduction of vaccine passports would mark a clear rebalancing of power between the individual and the state — one which former Spectator editor Boris Johnson said he would fight against with all his might.
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